Hello followers! Today, let’s explore how companies are giving human traits to AI, making it seem more like a coworker than just code. It’s a fascinating shift that’s shaping our perception of technology.

Generative AI is increasingly marketed with human names and personas, such as “Claude” by Anthropic, creating a sense of trust and friendliness. Many startups, especially those emerging from Y Combinator, are pitching AI as real staff—replacements, assistants, coders—aimed at convincing overwhelmed managers that they don’t need to hire more human workers.

This trend extends to consumer apps that use approachable names like Claude to make sharing personal data feel safer. While it can boost trust, it risks dehumanizing AI and accelerating job displacement. For example, some companies advertise AI systems managing multiple stores, implying that fewer human managers will be needed.

Historically, technology was named to emphasize empowerment—think of mainframes or PCs. Now, the language shifts toward AI as a human-like coworker, which can be misleading. Anthropic’s “Claude” is designed to sound trustworthy, aiming to comfort users while handling sensitive tasks.

The concern is that this anthropomorphizing makes AI appear less like software and more like a colleague, which can obscure the reality of automation’s impact. Experts warn that this behavior might hasten unemployment, especially as AI could replace many entry-level white-collar jobs within the next few years, potentially raising unemployment rates significantly.

Companies’ marketing choices matter. Instead of portraying AI as “employees,” the focus should be on AI tools that empower real humans, increasing their productivity and creativity. Let’s hope the future of AI remains about complementing human efforts rather than replacing them with fake coworkers.